The Moon is the only natural satellite of Earth. In fact, the Moon orbits Earth at a stable speed of about 1 km/s.
However, if the Moon were to move closer to Earth, the gravitational force from our planet would increase. This would also cause the Moon to accelerate significantly.
If it continues to approach Earth, the Moon would orbit at an increasingly faster rate.
Currently, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth approximately every 27 days. This would no longer hold true if the Moon were closer to our blue planet. Additionally, with the increased visibility and speed of the Moon, lunar eclipses would become a frequent spectacle.
The Moon has a close relationship with Earth. (Photo: Shutterstock).
However, that scene in the sky would not compensate for the “hell” below on Earth. Because if the Moon moves closer, the gravitational force would tear apart Earth’s crust. This increased gravitational force would trigger earthquakes and promote volcanic eruptions globally.
Furthermore, the oceans rise and fall due to the Moon’s orbit and the gravitational forces of both Earth and the Sun. Therefore, as the Moon approaches Earth, ocean tides would become significantly larger. Specifically, they could be up to eight times higher than average.
Coastal cities would therefore face flooding. Some islands could be submerged underwater for most of the day. Notably, nearly 700 million people living in low-lying coastal areas would face frequent dangers if timely evacuations are not made.
What would happen if the Moon started moving faster?
According to Kepler’s third law, the Moon would only orbit faster if it moved closer to Earth. If the Moon were to come within about 18,470 km of Earth, it would reach a limit. This would be the point where the Moon is close enough that tidal forces could tear this celestial body apart.
If the Moon comes closer to Earth, it could cause many disasters. (Photo: CBS News).
Fortunately, according to scientists, this scenario is unlikely to happen. The reason is that as speed increases, the Moon would be ejected into space. Once Earth’s satellite reaches a speed of 1.4 km/s, it would have enough momentum to escape Earth’s gravitational pull.
Without the Moon, Earth’s rotation would slow down. Thus, days would become longer. Subsequently, earthquakes and floods would occur in succession. Tides would also become smaller and weaker without the Moon.
Additionally, any coastal ecosystems that have not been devastated by massive flooding would become entirely inactive.
Without rising tides, species that rely on floating food sources in the ocean would not receive the necessary nutrients to survive.
Especially, without the light of the Moon, nocturnal predators would struggle to hunt. This could lead to a mass extinction event for both terrestrial and marine creatures.
Currently, Earth has an axial tilt of about 23.5 degrees, and this orbital angle allows for the occurrence of seasons. The gravitational force of the Moon helps maintain this tilt, preventing it from becoming even more inclined.
Conversely, if the tilt were to increase, it could lead to severe weather conditions. Once again, Earth could enter an ice age. Therefore, a faster-moving Moon could quickly lead to the extinction of all life on our blue planet.
How far is the Moon from Earth?
The Moon currently orbits Earth with a cycle of 27.3 days per revolution. (Photo: NSTA).
The Moon has a close relationship with Earth and is believed to have formed about 4.5 billion years ago. Currently, the Moon orbits Earth with a cycle of 27.3 days, while moving away from the blue planet at a rate of 3.8 cm per year.
The distance of the Moon from Earth affects the intensity of the tides and the occurrence of solar eclipses.
In fact, according to NASA, the average distance between Earth and the Moon is 384,400 km. The Moon follows an elliptical orbit around Earth, meaning there are points in its journey where it is closer or farther from Earth.
The average distance from the Moon to Earth is 384,400 km. (Photo: nineplanets).
Specifically, when the Moon moves to its closest position to Earth (known as perigee), the distance is about 363,300 km. The size of the Moon as viewed from Earth also appears larger.
When this perigee coincides with a full moon, the Moon will appear much brighter and larger when viewed from Earth. This phenomenon is known as a supermoon.
According to experts, during a supermoon event, the Moon will be 30% brighter and 17% larger than when it is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit.
The gravitational pull of the Moon affects Earth’s oceans to create tides. Therefore, the Moon being closer to the blue planet could also lead to higher than normal tides.
Conversely, when the Moon is at its farthest distance from Earth (known as apogee), the distance is 405,500 km.
In 1959, the Soviet Union launched the first mission to the Moon with the artificial satellite Luna 1. Later, the Soviet Union continued with Luna 2, which landed on the Moon’s surface, and Luna 3, which provided the first images of the Moon’s far side. Notably, from 1961 to 1972, NASA conducted the Apollo space exploration program, landing 12 astronauts on the Moon through various spacecraft. The Apollo program is considered one of the largest efforts in American history, involving tens of thousands of NASA personnel. |
